Sandhill Crane right after the sunriseSandhill Crane right after the sunrise – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday I posted a juvenile Wilson’s Phalarope and today I am posting an assortment of others birds I photographed the same day at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.  The first bird I focused on that morning was a lovely Sandhill Crane I found on the way to the auto tour route. It was with two other cranes but this one turned around and looked at me whereas the other two never did.

An American White Pelican in a clear July skyAn American White Pelican in a clear July sky – Nikon D810, f8, 1/2500, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I am always delighted when I can photograph American White Pelicans in flight against a clear blue sky because their white and black plumage stands out so well.  I was parked trying to photograph an ibis when this one flew past.

Juvenile drake Northern Pintail in eclipse plumage, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahImmature drake Northern Pintail or adult in eclipse plumage – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was surprised to find a lone Northern Pintail associating with a small flock of mallards so I couldn’t resist photographing it. I believe this is a juvenile drake but would appreciate confirmation if anyone knows for sure. The bill isn’t right for a female but the plumage isn’t quite right for a male in eclipse plumage either.

Adult Mourning Dove on barbed wire, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahAn adult Mourning Dove on barbed wire – Nikon D810, f8, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

On my way out of the refuge I found a couple of Mourning Doves on a fence line and while most of them flew off this one hung around and gave me the opportunity to photograph it perched on a strand rusty barbed wire. They might be common but I think they are quite lovely!

Life is good at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge!

Mia

Click here to see more of my bird photos in my galleries.